All Roads Lead Home

by Wasowski, Mary

  “You look stunning, Tenley. Absolutely beautiful. Your guy may just pass out when he takes in the gorgeous beauty in front of him,” Jacob said to me.

  “Thank you, Jacob. You have been such an amazing friend, and even better partner. I’m very proud of the work we accomplished, and I wish you all the best. Where will you go from here?”

  “California. I just caught a case, and I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. I was hoping to take some time off, but duty calls.”

  “Vacation? You? I don’t see you relaxing on a beach kicking your feet into the sand.”

  “You got me there. That’s more my kid brother’s style. Simon lives out there with his wife, Nicolette. I haven’t seen them in a while, so at least I get to visit while I’m out there. My parents live there as well. It will be somewhat of a family reunion minus my other two brothers. Who knows? Maybe this case will wrap up quickly, and I can have some fun. I sure could use some of that in my life.”

  “I hope you keep in touch, and don’t drop off the grid. You tend to do that when you are working a case.”

  I wasn’t sure if he was exactly listening. Jacob’s eyes were scanning the room and his eyes found hers over my shoulder. He was staring at Zoey. I smiled and kept my suspicions to myself, but wished upon a star for my two friends.

  “I promise you, Tenley, you will see me again.” He kissed my cheek and escorted me to another room, where I was welcomed with the best surprise of my life.

  My family is here! Wendy, the Parrishes and the Rhodes, all here to see me marry Jagger. I took in a deep breath to halt my tears, but it was no use, I was a goner. My mother quickly rushed over to me with a tissue in hand. Of course she always came prepared. My very handsome father swept me up into his arms and kissed my cheeks.

  “Did you honestly think that I would miss handing over my precious daughter to her future husband?” my father said as he lovingly held me in his arms.

  He set me down and I was engulfed with hugs from my mother, and the rest of the parents. The only one I still needed to connect with was Wendy. She was patiently waiting her turn.

  “You look beautiful, Tumbleweed, probably the happiest you’ve been in your entire life. This is what he wanted for you. I only hope you now understand the path I was on and the choices I had to make for you.”

  “I do, Wendy, and if it wasn’t for you and the unconditional love you always had for us, today would be a very different day. This moment I get to have would not have been possible without you. Thank you for charming your way into my office and forcing me to see what I so desperately gave up of ever having again…”

  “Oh, sweet girl, what is it?” she asked as she dried my tears.

  I simply replied…“LOVE.”

  Jacob was right when he said Jagger may pass out when he saw me walking toward him down the aisle. My father’s protective hold was entwined with my arm as he escorted me to the makeshift altar. Jagger was heavily breathing when I reached him. My father placed a kiss on my cheek and then to my hand before passing it to Jagger. Daddy put his hand on Jagger’s shoulder and looked at him with the adoration of a proud father.

  The mayor began with the traditional vows, and then we would say a few of our own. We knew how much we loved each other and vowed to live up to our sacred commitment all the days of our life. Jagger and I discussed what we would say, and we agreed to recite one sentence to each other before being pronounced husband and wife.

  The mayor gestured to Jagger to recite his words to me. Jagger smiled before unfolding the piece of paper he held in his hand. I peeked, and it was more than one sentence which made me so happy because mine was too.

  “I love you, Tenley Faith. I’ve loved you for what feels like a lifetime spent in your beauty, wonder, and light. Through the good times, the bad, and the sad days in between, you were never too far from my mind and my heart. I made a promise to your brother, my best friend, that I would love you until I take my last breath, and even then I think the good Lord negotiates. Today is the day I make you mine and give myself completely over to you. You are not only my lover, but my very best friend, and today my sweet Tenley, we simply begin anew. I love you.”

  The crowd beneath us at Times Square was hooting and cheering. Our ceremony was being filmed and transmitted on the big screens! We were minutes away from not only our big moment, but the world’s moment too! The mayor gestured to me to begin. I looked over to Wendy, the one who got me here. She blew me a kiss of encouragement, and I sure needed it now more than ever. I didn’t want to stumble over my words, but what could I say to Jagger in such a short length of time?

  “Jagger, I gave you my heart at seventeen. You asked me to trust you, I did with everything I had. We had our good moments and sometimes bad ones too, but the hardest ones were the roads traveled on without you by my side. It took me putting my trust in others to help me come back to you. I thought I had lost my way and would never get that chance again to have this day with you, but then you said…stay. I love you.”

  Our families were crying tears of joy, as our union was about to be sealed forever. The mayor held our hands and recited his closing words:

  “Now that Jagger and Tenley have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of the blessed rings, and with all of you to bear witness, then by the power of the great state of New York, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. You may kiss your lovely bride.”

  Jagger winked, took my face into his hands, and wiped away my tears with his thumbs. We both smiled along with our family and friends to begin the official countdown to the New Year and begin our new life together.

  “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….Happy New Year!!!”

  The cheers erupted as Jagger’s lips touched mine and kissed me so lovingly that it sent electricity down to my toes. I’d never felt more alive than in that moment with my cowboy. Jagger was not only my best friend and lover, but now he was my husband.

  “Happy New Year, Mrs. Parrish.”

  “Happy New Year, Mr. Parrish.”

  We kissed and kissed. It was the kiss seen and captured for all of the world to see. It was a magical moment, one I could give to Jagger, and to Jamie who was sure to see our love story from the stars.

  THE DAYS FOLLOWING our New Year’s wedding were spent in complete bliss. We celebrated with our family and friends until the morning dawn, and then did some private celebrating of our own. We chose to spend our honeymoon in the penthouse suite of the Park Lane Hotel. The views were incredible, looking over the city we just married in. I didn’t know why we needed this luxury, as we didn’t leave our bed for the next three days. It was truly magical as I was lost and wrapped around Jagger’s protective love. He was mine, and I was his.

  I couldn’t stop laughing at what he said as we checked out. We were holding hands and walking toward our waiting car when he said, “I told you so.” And then he leaned in and kissed me.

  I wasn’t sure what he was referring to. A strong minded woman like myself especially in gladiator mode doesn’t like to hear when she’s wrong, but for this, I would gladly be reminded of for the rest of my life.

  “And that means what, my love?” I asked.

  He kissed my hand and then each knuckle before crashing his mouth down onto mine. Jagger’s kisses were addicting that I craved him again and again. I had almost forgotten what we were talking about.

  “Never doubt a cowboy. You were meant to be a Parrish, and now you are my love. My wife. My life. Keeper of my heart and guardian of my soul. I love you, baby.”

  “And I love you.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” He asked me again, but I was more than okay going back to my office. Jagger didn’t want the flashbacks of that horrific day to enter my mind, especially after our wedding and honeymoon. I assured him that I was okay and owed it to Raymond to personally resign my partnership with the man who had given me the opportunity of a lifetime. Zoey and
her father knew it was coming, but I never actually said the words until now.

  I was welcomed back with hugs and congratulations. My heart skipped a beat when I passed the administrative counter and saw a new assistant in Cheryl’s chair. I shrugged it off and kept walking toward my office where Raymond and Zoey were waiting for me.

  My career began here with Steele and Copeland Law Firm. A spunky free spirit with crazy hair barreled through my office one day and promised we would be sisters forever, and how right she was. And then my life changed the moment I walked into my office only to be shocked by Wendy’s visit. She rocked my structured world and turned it inside out, and I couldn’t be happier. And now I will walk through these doors for the last time. Again, I couldn’t be happier with the choice I have made.

  We reminisced and laughed for hours while Zoey and Tommy helped me pack my last box. They hugged me fiercely and promised to visit me in Wyoming soon. Tommy was still happy with Roxy, who was practically bouncing outside at her desk. She was in love, as was my friend, too. As for Zoey, who knew what the future would bring for her, but I knew it wouldn’t be boring.

  I took a minute to look around my vast office and commit the happy moments to memory. I had many.

  “You know when I recruited you out of Yale, I thought to myself: Now this girl is tough. She’s raw and gritty and will command a courtroom with an iron fist, and a voice to match. I never thought you would give all of this up for love,” Raymond said as he walked over to hug and say goodbye to me.

  “I’m still going to command a courtroom with an iron fist, but it just won’t be here.”

  “Things won’t be the same without you around here. Hell, Zoey is leaving me too!”

  “Where is she going? She didn’t tell me.” Now that was new information I wasn’t aware of. My voice almost sounded offended that I didn’t know something so important about my best friend.

  “All I know is that she’s taking a page out of your handbook. She told me that she’s going to chase the wind to the west and see what happens when she gets there. Don’t ask me what that means, because I don’t have a clue. I always said she was her mother’s daughter and not mine.”

  He gave me one last hug and held my hands as we both took in my now empty office.

  “So once you leave here today, what will you do next? What will you become?” Raymond asked me as he closed and locked the door.

  It was the easiest answer I could say.

  “Happy. I will be happy.”

  Saying goodbye to one life and beginning a new one was easier than I had thought it would be. Jagger made it easy by simply loving me. The night we arrived back home in Wyoming, we spent our first night as husband and wife in the home Jagger built for us. He was true to his word and carried me over the threshold, promising he would do this for as many times as I wanted him to. A rugged cowboy and a natural born romantic.

  He made it his mission to christen every room in our home. I swear my man had stamina and never stopped worshipping my body with his. There would be no lovemaking under the night sky due to the season we still had to endure, so we settled under our skylight in our bedroom. Jagger made passionate love to me all throughout the night and held me for the rest.

  I watched Jagger gaze up toward the stars that were shining brightly tonight. Jagger always said it was a good sign to have the stars be your light. He repositioned himself to lean on his elbow and looked directly at me.

  “I want babies with you. Carry my child, Tenley, and make us a family.”

  He said nothing more and put his cheek to my stomach. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to give Jagger what he wanted. Our reunion was nothing short of a miracle, and I wanted time with him before we committed ourselves to having children. He didn’t push, he just wanted me to know where his heart was leading him to next. He said he would be patient and wait for me to get there. He fell asleep soundly with his body wrapped around mine. I let out a breath and made a wish of my own and then joined my husband in sleep.

  The next day was spent settling in and unpacking. Jagger was up before the dawn to begin the daily chores. He kissed me goodbye and told me that he loved me. I slept a few more hours before beginning my day.

  My boxes had arrived, and I had chosen a room that would be my office. Time had flown by and it was past noon. Wendy called and asked if she could stop by. I told her yes and how I was looking forward to her visit. I managed in just a few hours to completely set-up my office. Jagger had built in bookcases that completely lined one wall. He had built me a customized desk, big enough where I could work freely with books and my computer.

  “How did I get so lucky to have found him?”

  “Well if you ask me, I think you both got lucky,” Wendy said.

  “How are you always here when I’m talking out loud to myself, and it seems you are the only one I do this in front of?”

  “I guess I’m just lucky that way, Tumbleweed.”

  “I guess you are. I’m so happy to see you, Wendy. Thank you for stopping by.”

  “You look good, sweet girl.”

  “I’m more than good, I’m…”

  “Happy?”

  “Yeah, something like that.”

  “Well, that’s good. I truly hope you stay that way once I give you what I have here in my bag. Come and sit with me.”

  She took my hand and we sat down by my huge bay window. It would be a view I would take in every single day.

  “Is everything okay, Wendy?”

  “Oh yes, honey, don’t you go worrying. It’s a good thing, I’m sure of it.”

  “Well if anyone knows about being right about such things, it’s you, dear friend.”

  “I’m not the only one,” she said as she handed me a letter, and not just any letter, a letter from Jamie. With all that had happened since Christmas to now, I had forgotten that more letters may have existed. Wendy had said there were others, but never said how many. Now once again, my friend is passing me more words from my brother. I was almost afraid to take it, but she assured me it was something worth reading.

  I ran my fingers over his handwriting. His penmanship was flawless, and I could almost picture Jamie sitting at his desk and chewing on his pen. He was the wordy one and could turn a simple sentence into a ten page essay.

  My brother was known for making his point very clear until I understood the hidden messages behind his words. These letters were filled with them.

  “I’ll leave you to it. See you soon.”

  “You’re not going to stay?” I questioned Wendy.

  “This is not my only stop. I have a few more deliveries to make.”

  I started a fire and made myself comfortable on the floor surrounded by pillows. I so wanted a glass of wine right now, but we had none in the house. Jagger was adamant about me not drinking. It reminded him of a dark time in his life. I knew what he was referring to and always respected his wishes. For all that he had done for me, this request was easy.

  A letter from Jamie

  For my sister

  Dear Tumbleweed,

  If you’re reading this letter, then you must know it will be the last one you will receive. Don’t cry, baby sister, it’s a good one, I promise.

  Happy Wedding Day! You see, sis? Everything always has a way of working out to God’s plan for us. I always knew you would find your way back to Jagger, and he would find his way back to you. You two are your own shape now. Fill it with happy memories to pass onto generations to come.

  Writing these letters to you brought me much comfort in my final days. It was my way of saying the words I no longer could say to you in person. It would be too hard for me and even harder for you.

  I was angry with God for my cancer returning, and then I quickly dismissed my anger and prayed for his mercy. God doesn’t want any of his children to suffer, and when they do it is hard on Him just as much as it is on the family the cancer affects.

  I would have given just about anything to not have this happen to me, b
ut it did and I made my peace with it. This letter would have never reached you if it wasn’t for Wendy. Wendy Ann Manning is a living Angel, and she does selfless work for others who need her. I needed her to carry out my last wishes, and she never hesitated with her answer.

  Always keep her close to your heart, she deserves nothing less. She loves you Tenley as if you were her own and would do anything for you. Next time you see her, please give her a hug from me and tell her how much I love and miss her…and her pancakes!

  I’ll always be watching over you. If you should ever need me, just look up to the night sky, and I will be shining on the brightest star.

  One more thing…say the words I wasn’t strong enough to say to mama and daddy. Please tell them how much I love them. It is my honor to have been blessed with amazing parents. It breaks my heart to leave them and you. I love you all very much. You have made me the happiest big brother. You Chose Right!

  Jamie

  A letter from Jamie

  For Jagger…my best friend

  WITH THE EXCITEMENT over the past few weeks, I had almost forgotten about my leg and the rehab I was supposed to be doing for it. I totally skipped out on my therapy sessions, but I knew my body better than anybody. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. My girl quickly got reacquainted with it, as I did with hers. I had messages on my voicemail from Dr. Sampson’s assistant asking me to call to reschedule an appointment that I missed. I hardly felt any discomfort until today when I put in my first real day working the ranch. I was hurting pretty bad and needed a hot soak to ease the stiffness in my muscles.

  I was just settling She-devil into her stall and shutting down the stables for the night when I saw a truck approaching. Other than staff, only a few people knew the gate code to enter my property, and one of them was Wendy. She beeped the horn to get my attention, but I already heard her beast of a truck a mile away.